3d@Home
Michael Moran
Looks like CES will birth more than 1 3d printer this year. This one looks pretty slick, it doesn't appear to be a very hackable printer(at least from the pictures). They are also launching a 3d printing service to go along with their 3d model sharing site.
With all these developments, the big question for myself is which 3d printer to get.....
-Mike
Tim Bertram
The Cube printer looks like a very close design to the Makergear
Mosaic 3d printer that has been on the market for a while. If I had
to pick between this cube printer and the mosaic, I would go for the
Mosaic. The Mosaic is on the market now for $900 for a kit or $1500
for a assembled printer verse the cube printer isn't for sale yet and
chances are currently has less tested printing hours. I personally
would pick the kit and assemble it for $400 in savings.
As far as the Makerbot Replicator, it's pricey, and the only thing
that would make me ever consider spending that they have the dual
extrusion heads to do two colors. My guess is before the end of 2012
we will see dual heads in more places if it actually works decently.
If you looking to go even more dyi, I built my reprap prusa for a lot
closer to the $500 mark. There are a few more cheaper printers like
the printrbot that are also worth watching in the next few months to
see where development goes.
Michael Moran
-Mike
Bob Waldron
Tim Bertram
how the printrbot turns out. The design is simple and assembly time
should be reasonably minimal. If the printrbot guys don't overcharge,
the printrbot has the potential to be built for $300 or $400 down the
line.
I hope the Replicator is quiet, the original Makerbot is very noisy.
My prusa is fairly quiet. I will interested to hear one of these
replicators in action. Either way the replicator price tag is way to
high. I personally thought about the prusa this way. I could build
one, fail scrap every part and start over and still be cheaper than a
thing-o-matic ($1300 at the time). That made it easy to invest in a
prusa.
-Tim
Bob Waldron
Michael Moran
At least this time around the "code" is compatible across all platforms. For me that actually makes things a little harder so select, since I don't think a winner has emerged. One attractive thing about the more DIY printers is the ability to update it. It's pretty impressive to look on thingiverse and see the printable parts to upgrade the printer.
-Mike
Tim Bertram
Bob Waldron
Alex Hunt
Alex
Bob Watson
Bob Watson